United Nations Radio

The UN Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a new resolution authorizing for one year, international operations against pirates inside Somalia.

Map of Somalia

The resolution reiterates that it condemns and deplores all acts of piracy and armed robbery against vessels in waters off the coast of Somalia.
It calls upon States, regional and international organizations that have the capacity to do so, to take part actively in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia.
It also invites all States and regional organizations fighting piracy off the coast of Somalia to conclude special agreements or arrangements with countries willing to take custody of pirates in order to embark law enforcement officials from the countries, in particular countries in the region. This, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of persons detained as a result of operations conducted under the resolution for acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia.
The United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs David Miliband says the seas off Somalia are a key economic artery for global trade and his country and others are working to address the issue of piracy at sea.

UK Foreign Minister David Miliband

"The United Kingdom has voted in favor of this resolution because we support robust action to address the serious threat to international navigation posed by piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia including to deliveries of humanitarian aid to the people of Somalia."

This is the fourth resolution approved by the council to combat piracy off Somaila.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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